More than 50,000 cards are expected to be handed out to foreign nationals from outside Europe between November and March as they extend their visas and register marriages or civil partnerships.
From next year ID cards will be given first to those in security-sensitive roles and by 2010 the aim will be to encourage young people to enrol. They will not be compulsory for the general population.
The size of a credit card, each ID card bears a digital image of the holder, their name, the place and date of the card’s issue, a signature and a unique identity number. For foreign nationals there is also a “type of permit” section showing the person’s visa category as well as a “valid until” date showing how long the holder has permission to stay in the UK.
On the reverse, the card carries an electronic chip recording biometric details including fingerprints. The holder’s gender, date and place of birth and nationality are recorded above a section entitled Remarks that lists entitlements.
Protecting identity
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said the announcement of the cards for foreign residents shows the government is fulfilling its commitment to protect identity.
“ID cards will help protect against identity fraud and illegal working, reduce the use of multiple identities in organised crime and terrorism, crack down on those trying to abuse positions of trust, and make it easier for people to prove they are who they say they are,” she said.
“ID cards for foreign nationals will replace old-fashioned paper documents, make it easier for employers and sponsors to check entitlement to work and study, and for the UK Border Agency to verify someone’s identity. This will provide identity protection to the many here legally who contribute to the prosperity of the UK, while helping prevent abuse.”